Opinion: How High Tech High and USD are creating pathways to college

An entrance to the University of San Diego File photo by Chris Stone Times of San Diego The University of San Diego lately hosted a powerful gathering of High Tech High s high-achieving juniors Approximately High Tech Elevate scholars students from across all HTH high school campuses who come from first-generation low-income and historically marginalized backgrounds came together for a day rooted in connection confidence and college readiness Guided by the slogan Higher tuition requires higher expectations the annual Elevate event provided students with a unique opportunity to meet one-on-one with admissions representatives from eight leading colleges and universities In this small intimate setting students weren t just collecting brochures they were building relationships It was so joyful to see the students experience what Elevate is truly about stated Chris White executive director of college counseling These scholars were able to engage deeply with college reps who will walk away knowing their names The day also included an alumni panel featuring six former HTH Elevate scholars now flourishing in college Their stories of perseverance self-discovery and improvement offered both guidance and inspiration to the next generation As the HTH organization continues to grow Elevate stands as a testament to what s realizable when high expectations are paired with high-impact sponsorship putting students in the best position to thrive in higher teaching and beyond Students reflected on the experience with gratitude and newfound motivation Currently I learned so much more about college and what the path can look like for students like me It was really powerful to hear from students who came from similar backgrounds low-income and first-generation and to see how they identified encouragement and success noted Yuliana Cibrian a junior at High Tech High International For me coming from a low-income family it means everything to know that I still have opportunities through scholarships programs grants and FAFSA That encouragement helps me believe I can get to where I want to be I m excited for what s ahead King Famous California a junior from High Tech High Chula Vista disclosed the opportunity for improvement in college resonated for him at the conference It presented me that just because I might have a few disadvantages in certain aspects it doesn t count me out or put me behind anyone else he commented I learned a lot about colleges financial aid and the different opportunities I can take Talking to college reps one-on-one made it feel real like college isn t particular fantasy It s truly an opportunity for me and I m very proud of that In addition to college exposure events like Elevate HTH students also have access to college-level coursework through a growing partnership with USD High Tech High has partnered with the university to offer students an exciting opportunity to earn college credit and experience university life at no cost through USD s Pre-Collegiate Pathways Activity More than just a dual-enrollment opportunity the venture takes a holistic approach to college preparation HTH students take actual courses on the USD campus while also participating in workshops and events designed to demystify the college experience and promotion them on their journey toward higher schooling We really want to open USD up to students who traditionally have not been able to attend places like USD noted Dr David Miller a USD History professor who helps lead the initiative Something the pre-collegiate operation can do is help students realize that USD is a place for them that they fit here and see people who they recognize All expenses tuition books and parking are fully covered As a first-generation-serving Hispanic-serving Institution USD s goal is to build meaningful pathways for students from the San Diego region particularly those who may not have seen themselves at a university before Miller puts it best It s worth enrolling because you are going to get at no cost the college experience college credit and a real introduction to the University of San Diego Students who participate in these types of programs go into college more prepared stronger and more confident they re ultimately going to be more effective down the road Anthony Millican is a member of the High Tech High board of trustees